An Airalo eSIM is unavailable when it is outside its coverage area, is not selected for mobile data, needs data roaming or an APN, or connects to an unsupported local network. Check Airalo app → My eSIMs → Details → How to connect first. The required settings vary by eSIM and destination.
Airalo eSIM Troubleshooting at a Glance
| Problem | Most likely fix |
|---|---|
| "No Service" or "SOS only" | Check coverage, turn on the eSIM, enable roaming, or select a supported network manually |
| Signal bars but no internet | Select Airalo for mobile data and check the APN |
| eSIM does not appear | Confirm installation and compare the eSIM's ICCID |
| eSIM worked but stopped | Check the remaining data, package validity, and network coverage |
| QR code will not install | Use manual or direct installation |
| You deleted the eSIM | Stop trying to reinstall it and contact Airalo support |
1. Check the eSIM's Coverage Area
An Airalo eSIM only connects in the country or countries covered by its package. A France eSIM will not provide service while you are still in the United States. If you installed the eSIM before travelling, it may not connect until you arrive in a supported destination.
Check the package's Validity Policy too. Most Airalo packages begin their validity period when they connect to a supported network. Some start when the eSIM is installed. In the Airalo app, go to My eSIMs → Details → Show more to check the policy for your package.
2. Select Airalo for Mobile Data
Installing an eSIM does not automatically make it the phone's data line.
On iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Select the Airalo eSIM.
- Turn on Turn On This Line.
- Return to Cellular Data.
- Select the Airalo eSIM.
Apple allows multiple SIMs to stay active, but only one line is normally used for cellular data at a time.
On Android
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet, Connections, or SIM manager.
- Select the Airalo eSIM.
- Turn on Use SIM or Enable SIM.
- Turn on Mobile data.
- Select Airalo as the preferred SIM for data.
On Google Pixel phones, these settings are under Settings → Network & internet → SIMs. Only one SIM can be the default mobile data line.
3. Turn On Data Roaming for Airalo
Many Airalo eSIMs require data roaming because they connect through a partner network in the destination country. Check the Airalo connection instructions before changing this setting.
On an iPhone, go to:
Settings → Cellular → Airalo eSIM → Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming
On Android, open the Airalo eSIM in your mobile network or SIM settings and turn on Roaming.
To avoid charges from your primary carrier, turn off mobile data and data roaming for your primary SIM. Airalo notes that roaming settings can behave differently across devices, especially when multiple SIMs are active.
4. Check the APN Settings
An APN, or Access Point Name, tells your phone how to connect to the internet through the mobile network. Some Airalo eSIMs configure the APN automatically. Others require manual entry.
Find the correct APN here:
Airalo app → My eSIMs → select your eSIM → Details → How to connect
On iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Select the Airalo eSIM.
- Tap Cellular Data Network or Mobile Data Network.
- Enter the APN exactly as Airalo displays it.
- Leave the other fields blank unless Airalo provides values for them.
On Android
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet or Connections.
- Select Mobile Networks.
- Tap Access Point Names.
- Add or edit the APN.
- Enter the APN exactly as shown in Airalo's instructions.
Use lowercase letters, do not add spaces, and do not guess the APN. Restart the phone after saving the setting.
5. Select a Supported Local Network
Airalo normally connects to an available partner network automatically. Your phone may sometimes select a network that the package does not support.
Open Airalo's connection instructions and check the supported network list.
On iPhone
Go to:
Settings → Cellular → Airalo eSIM → Network Selection
Turn off Automatic, then select one of the networks listed by Airalo.
On Android
Go to:
Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Airalo eSIM → Network
Turn off automatic network selection and choose a supported operator. Menu names vary between Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android phones.
6. Turn Off Your Other SIM Temporarily
A physical SIM or another eSIM can interfere with the connection when the phone tries to use the wrong line for data.
Temporarily turn off your primary SIM and any unused eSIMs. Then check that:
- Airalo is enabled.
- Airalo is selected for mobile data.
- Data roaming is enabled for Airalo if required.
- Your primary SIM is not using roaming data.
Turn the other lines back on after Airalo connects.
7. Switch from 5G to 4G or LTE
If Airalo shows a network connection but mobile data does not work, change the preferred network mode from 5G to 4G or LTE.
Airalo recommends trying another network mode when the eSIM has trouble connecting. After the connection works, switch back to 5G and test it again.
8. Check the Data Balance and Expiry Date
An Airalo eSIM can remain installed after its package has run out of data or passed its validity period. In the Airalo app, open My eSIMs and check:
- Remaining data
- Package expiry
- Whether a top-up is available
- Whether the package covers your current country
Airalo packages provide the stated amount of data for the full validity period. They do not provide the same amount of data each day. If the data has run out, you may be able to buy a top-up through My eSIMs → Top up.
9. Use Airplane Mode and Restart the Phone
Turn Airplane Mode on for about 30 seconds, then turn it off. This makes the phone search for available networks again.
If the connection does not return, restart the device. Apple also recommends toggling Airplane Mode and restarting the network search when an iPhone shows "No Service" or "SOS only" while travelling.
10. Confirm That the Phone Is Compatible and Unlocked
Airalo requires a phone that:
- Supports eSIM technology
- Is not carrier-locked
- Is not jailbroken or rooted
- Supports the required cellular bands and regional model requirements
On an iPhone, check Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. An unlocked iPhone should show No SIM Restrictions. Some regional versions of compatible phones may not support eSIM.
Do Not Delete the Airalo eSIM
Do not remove the Airalo eSIM just because it is not connecting. Airalo says eSIMs typically cannot be reinstalled after deletion, so you may need a replacement or a new purchase. Disable the eSIM temporarily instead.
If you already deleted it, open My eSIMs in the Airalo app and look for a recovery option. Airalo may be able to help with reinstallation or replacement, depending on the plan.
If Your Airalo eSIM Still Does Not Work
Contact Airalo support through the app or website. Include:
- Your Airalo package name and destination
- Your phone model
- A screenshot of the error
- Your current location
- The eSIM's ICCID
- The troubleshooting steps you have already tried
You can find the ICCID under My eSIMs → Details. Airalo uses it to identify the eSIM and investigate the connection.